We get the question all the time, "Why should I get a dedicated breast pump bag instead of a regular tote?" We asked a couple of our pumping mama Brand Ambassadors for their thoughts on the topic. Read on to see what they had to say!
Q: For mamas who are wondering if they really need a dedicated breast pump bag versus just using a regular handbag or tote bag for their pump - What do you see as the benefits of having a breast pump bag?
A: Sierra, Meagan and Mayra answer below.
Sierra -
If you’re wondering if you need a specific bag, my short answer is YES!
I use a lot of bags, and even have a side hobby of selling a popular brand of totes and bags. I would still recommend a Sarah Wells Bag for pumping.
These bags are specifically designed for the job, with the right amount of pockets for your pump and accessories, and the thermal pockets are a must, especially if you’re a commuter.
If you were to use a regular handbag or tote, chances are you would need more than one… a bag for your pump, a bag for used parts, a bag for clean parts, a thermal for the milk, etc.
You get the idea! As a bonus, many Breast Pump Bags are not only beautiful, but also well made and can be reused in the future.
Meagan -
I was previously using a tote bag for my pumping accessories and it was a black hole of a mess. Absolutely nothing was organized. I couldn't find any one specific thing I was looking for without unloading half of the bag - it was just a messy disaster.
Since receiving my Sarah Wells bag, I have actually been able to combine my purse, pump tote, and diaper bag all into one incrediblely organized and attractive package! Sarah Wells Bags are clearly designed with mom in mind.
In my opinion, the Breast Pump Bags are designed to help keep things organized, visible, and easy to access. It makes all the difference when it comes to a time crunch as well.
Most moms who return to work find themselves pumping on an extremely tight schedule with no time to waste fumbling around searching for the supplies they need. And personally, I have delayed let downs when I am feeling stressed and pressed for time.
These pump bags make it possible to quickly get what you need set up with just a few zips of the bag; allowing more time to pump and focus on what's important - like breathing, haha!
Mayra -
When going to work and pumping, you deal with carrying extra things and you find yourself having to pause your workload in order to pump.
Now with my Claire, I no longer have to carry all these extra things such as the cooler for the milk I pump, storage for the actual pump, zip lock bags for the dirty parts, bottles and/or storage bags, and not to mention the pumping parts.
The Claire is definitely a game changer for me. I can store everything in just one bag. It has also saved me time, so I don't worry about taking out the pump from the other bag or taking out the cooler.
Carrying my pump and all the accessories has become a part of my every day life and the Claire has made things a lot easier.
This video shows a glimpse of everything I can fit into my Claire Breast Pump Bag.
We want to hear from YOU!
Why do you (or would you) find a dedicated breast pump bag helpful in your pumping journey?
Comment on this blog and we'll automatically enter you to win your color choice of a Claire breast pump bag! Contest closes 12/25/17 at 11:59pm ET. Open to all countries.
167 comments
My baby had a hard time nursing so I became an ex m exclusive pumper. For me it was definitely necessary to have a breast pump bag. I took it everywhere with me so I could pump when I needed and whenever I traveled. It was definitely handy to just be able to unzip the side and not have to unload everything from the bag. It made pumping discreet and it made it so I could keep pumping for over a year. Love having a breast pump bag.
It’s a must have! Before this I carring so many bags. Now I have 1 that does it all. Place for the pump, parts, cooler and other pockets for purse items! Never leave home without it! So much easier to go to work now!
Yes! I didn’t have one with my first and it was such a pain to get things to work and be organized in a normal bag. The ability to be able to carry my personal and work items and pump items in an organized and fashionable way is fantastic! With my last child people use to call me the bag lady because of all the things I had to bring with me for me/work.
I bought my Sarah Wells bag as I was preparing to go back to work after I had my daughter. She was about 10 weeks old and I just was not excited at the thought of carrying multiple bags – including the generic matte black bag- that came with my pump around the school I worked at. It wasn’t my style and it just screamed “breast pump!” I searched and found the Sarah Wells bags and thought I’d purchase one for myself to help me ease into going back to work- it was at least something to get excited about! Fast forward 8 months later, I am still pumping and still in love with my blue and white stripe bag! It holds everything I need for work (as any teacher about their bags- this one has impressive capacity), my pump, and whatever else I need. It’s been a beach bag, cooler bag, field trip emergency kit, overnight bag, diaper bag and an all round life saver! Whether a new mom thinks a dedicated pump bag is essential or not, is really not the question! It is essential that the dedicated pump bag be designed with all the amazing features that Sarah Wells has put into each bag! Thank you again for making such a fantastic product!
Having one pump bag is so helpful. One where u simply unzip a side and can access ur pump is a huge time saver when pumping at work.